Police Appeal For Calm Ahead Of Sunday Rally

The police say that requiring a march organised by the Civil Human Rights Front on Sunday to end in Wan Chai rather than Central does not amount to “suppression”.

Chief Superintendent John Tse, of the police public relations branch, said on Saturday that some people have been speaking online about marching away from the march’s approved route and are promoting the idea of using weapons.

“Speaking from our experience in the last few weeks, some violent protesters indeed make use of metal poles and bricks to damage properties, shops and buildings, to charge at police cordon lines and even attack police,” he told a media briefing ahead of Sunday’s demonstration.

The Civil Human Rights Front-organised demonstration will urge the government to set up an independent commission of inquiry to be led by a judge, to look into the policing of recent extradition protests.

The Front originally planned to march from Victoria Park to the Court of Final Appeal in Central, but the police say the march must end at the junction of Luard Road and Johnston Road in Wan Chai instead for public safety reasons.

Tse appealed to anyone taking part in Sunday’s march to stay alert at all times.

“Your personal safety should be your highest priority,” he said. “Please leave the scene at once in face of any potential threat or dangers.”

Tse also used the opportunity to remark on the force’s observations of recent protests.

He said Hong Kong people have always expressed their opinion in a peaceful, orderly, and respectful manner.

But he said it had come to their attention recently that some protesters had deliberately created chaos before and after the conclusion of public processions.

“Such actions include blocking roads, charging a police cordon lines, and even attacking police officers,” Tse said. “This minority of protesters have tarnished our core values of being peaceful and rational.”

“I believe that people participating in peaceful public events do not wish to witness or take part in these violent scenes,” he added.